The Royal Council finally emerge onto the Castle Courtyard, fully stocked and armed, ready for the challenges ahead. The Princess awaits them, standing in an elegant fur coat amongst the dampened grass and fallen leaves. They approach her in a uniform line, ready for duty.

"I trust you have everything you require for this mission." the Princess nods. "Before you depart, I would like to say a few words."

Zelda first addresses the Royal Commander, the Royal Diplomat, and the Royal Scholar.

"Laurel, Dakota and Ezra. I apologise for my earlier doubts. I vastly underestimated you. The three of you displayed courage, wisdom and strength when you joined Ningan in his quest, then continued to pursue your goal even after his disappearance. You defied my instructions and exceeded my expectations in resolving the mystery of the Count's whereabouts. I am proud of you."

Laurel stands to attention and salutes. Dakota lifts the corners of her tunic in a curtsy. Ezra places his hand on his chest and bows.

"Now, Ningan…" she turns to her trusted Royal Advisor; son of her Attendant; her beloved childhood companion. "Your family and I are overwhelmed at your achievements. You have endured the most deplorable difficulties imaginable. You sacrificed your friendships, your energy, and your peace of mind in the name of fulfilling a destiny you did not choose. Despite everything, you have endeavoured. You have earned the respect of your tribe for generations to come and honoured your mother's legacy."

Ningan nods with a gratified smile. "Thank you, Zelda."

The Princess briefs her Royal Council as one: "This is a pivotal point in Hyrule's history; spoken in ancient prophecy; written in the pages of destiny. It should be clear to you all that there are only two outcomes to this mission: success or failure. Success means the rescue of Imogen from her state of imprisonment; the defeat of Count Caedis and his reign of terror; the retrieval of the six Sage Medallions; and the security of the Hyrule kingdom. On the other hand, failure means the delivery of the remaining three Sage Medallions directly into the hands of evil; rendering Count Caedis an unstoppable force; granting him access to the Triforce; which will ultimately lead to the destruction of our fair kingdom and everything that we hold dear."

The image of a Hyrule plagued with wars, fires, and death crosses the minds of the four warriors. They had seen it before with the reign of the King of Evil a decade ago. They could not bear to let it rise again.

"It is thus vital that you succeed." Zelda concludes. "For the sake of Hyrule's peace."

"Do not fear, Princess!" Laurel declares with fierce determination. "We shall return victorious!"

"You can count on it!" Dakota cheers.

Ezra nods with agreement. "We won't let you down, Your Majesty."

"Whatever happens, we'll prevent Caedis from obtaining those Medallions at all costs." Ningan vows.

"May the Goddess watch over you." The Princess prays with closed eyes. She lifts her arms through the sleeve of her fur coat and presses her hands together. A mystical orb of light expands between her fingers, mesmerising the Royal Councillors.

The light fades, leaving four long brown feathers in her hands.

"These feathers are blessed with the potential to carry you on the wind wherever you may be directly to this spot." Zelda demonstrates by holding one between her fingers. "When the opportunity arises, simply take one in your hand and blow. However, you will notice that there are only four: one for each of you. Please only utilise their magic as a last resort to escape a life-threatening situation. I trust you will use them wisely."

She bestows a feather upon each of her champions. They graciously accept her divine gift.

"Go forth. Have faith."